Why Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett likes his players in City-Country

SEA Eagles coach Trent Barrett would never ban his players from the City-Country game, describing it as an important stepping stone into rep footy.

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SEA Eagles coach Trent Barrett would never ban his players from the upcoming City-Country game, describing it as an important stepping stone into rep footy.

His comments came after Bulldogs’ counterpart Des Hasler caused a furore by saying that none for his squad would be available to take part in the game on May 7 in Mudgee.

Barrett said a number of Manly players would be in contention for selection in the sides to be announced on Monday, including Jake and Tom Trbojevic for City and Brian Kelly and Akuila Uate for Country.

“I think you can learn a hell of lot in those camps,” Barrett said.

Sea Eagles centre Brian Kelly. Picture: Getty Images.

“It breaks up the year a little bit too and gets them out of their normal environment.”

Barrett said that the benefits outweigh any of the possible negatives.

“You do pay the price a little bit for it at club level but I think your players come back better players for it,“ he said.

“It is all part of the experience of playing footy and a learning curve for younger players in particular.

“They will learn different things off better players

“I think it is good that they get in there and hear a different voice from different coaches as well and come back and be better for Manly.”

He said that other clubs do with their players was their business

“I coached Country and played for Country and I think it is an important stepping stone into rep footy for our blokes and for our Origin side,” Barrett said.